What should you know about skin after sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammatory response to ultraviolet injury. Redness, heat, tenderness, tightness, and later dryness or peeling can occur. Some burns form fluid-filled blisters. Peeling is the body's way of shedding damaged surface cells; pulling the skin away can expose a more vulnerable layer. Repeated ultraviolet injury can contribute to sun-damaged skin and uneven pigmentation, so protection remains useful after the discomfort fades.

Move out of the sun, take cool showers or apply a cool damp cloth, and use a bland moisturiser or emollient on intact skin. Drink fluids and wear loose clothing. Do not burst blisters, scrub peeling areas, or apply harsh fragrances. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical cover once the skin can tolerate it, and keep following local product directions.

Seek medical care for extensive blistering, severe pain, marked swelling, fever, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, dehydration, or a burn involving the eyes. Get prompt review if redness spreads, pus develops, or the area becomes increasingly warm and painful, which can signal infection.

Ask how to dress blisters, which moisturiser is suitable, whether any medicine is safe for you, how to protect peeling skin, and when persistent colour or texture change should be checked.